PROGRAM AND INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS

Abstract

To enable a user to gift at an appropriate timing in response to the action (performance) of a performer object. [Solution] The program causes the computer to function as a setting means 52 that sets gifting conditions for a user to automatically request the gifting of a gift, a judgment means 54 that judges whether the actions of a performer object appearing in the video satisfy the gifting conditions, and a display means 56 that, if the judgment is positive, displays a gift in the video, indicating that a gifting request has been made by the user.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a program and an information processing device.

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a video distribution system that distributes videos to a plurality of users has been known.

[0003] In this regard, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique that enables a user (player) watching a video to throw (gift) a purchased item toward a stage area where a performer object is located. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-092332 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In such a technique, a user watching a video may miss the timing to gift a gift in response to the action (performance) of a performer object.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of such problems, and its purpose is to provide a program and an information processing device that enable a user to gift at the appropriate timing in response to the movements (performance) of a performer object. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, a program according to a first aspect of the present invention is a program for gifting, in which each user watching a video being distributed displays a gift on the video, and causes a computer to function as: a setting means for setting gifting conditions for a user to automatically request the gifting of a gift; a judgment means for judging whether or not an action by a performer object appearing in the video satisfies the gifting conditions; and, if the judgment is positive, a display means for displaying the gift on the video, assuming that a gifting request has been made by the user.

[0008] In a second aspect of the present invention, the gifting condition includes that the action by the performer object has started or ended.

[0009] In addition, in a third aspect of the present invention, the gifting condition includes a specific statement being made by the performer object.

[0010] In addition, in a fourth aspect of the present invention, the display means displays the gift on the video regardless of whether the user is watching the video or not.

[0011] In addition, in a fifth aspect of the present invention, the user is a user who has paid a predetermined fee.

[0012] In a sixth aspect of the present invention, the gifting request is free of charge.

[0013] In a seventh aspect of the present invention, the gifting request is for a fee.

[0014] In addition, in an eighth aspect of the present invention, the performer object is a broadcast user who can earn a reward based on the gifting request.

[0015] In addition, an information processing device according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is an information processing device for allowing each user watching a video being distributed to perform gifting by displaying a gift on the video, and is equipped with a setting means for setting gifting conditions for a user to automatically request the gifting of a gift, a judgment means for judging whether or not an action by a performer object appearing in the video satisfies the gifting conditions, and if the judgment is positive, a display means for displaying the gift on the video, assuming that a gifting request has been made by the user. Effect of the Invention

[0016]

[0017]

[0018] According to the present invention, a user can perform gifting at an appropriate timing in response to the movement (performance) of a performer object. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an overall configuration of a video distribution system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a server device. [Diagram 3] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a smartphone as the terminal device illustrated in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional unit of a server device. [Diagram 5] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow for setting automatic gifting information in the video distribution system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a normal live screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a live screen including a setting area in the first embodiment. [Figure 8]13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of an automatic gifting process in the video distribution system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a live screen including a selection area in which a gift to be gifted can be selected in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a live screen including gifted gifts and automatically gifted gifts in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a live screen including only gifted gifts in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow for setting automatic gifting information in the video distribution system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a live screen including a setting area in the second embodiment. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of an automatic gifting process in the video distribution system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a live screen including an automatically gifted gift in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Hereinafter, a number of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In order to facilitate understanding of the description, the same components and steps in each drawing are denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0021] ---First embodiment --- First, the first embodiment will be described.

[0022] <Overall composition> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a video distribution system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0023] 1, the video distribution system 1 includes a server device 10 and one or more terminal devices 12. The server device 10 and the terminal devices 12 are communicatively connected to each other via a communication network NT such as an intranet, the Internet, or a telephone line.

[0024] The server device 10 is an information processing device that provides, via the communication network NT, videos obtained by executing the video distribution program 14, or the video distribution program 14 itself, to users who own the terminal devices 12. For example, the video distribution program 14 is used to perform gifting, in which a user displays a gift on a video.

[0025] Each terminal device 12 is an information processing device owned by each user, and provides videos to be viewed by each user by installing and executing the video distribution program 14 received from the server device 10. Note that a user can also distribute videos to other users as a video distribution user. These terminal devices 12 include various devices such as mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, and personal computers.

[0026] <Hardware configuration> FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the server device 10. As shown in FIG.

[0027] 2, the server device 10 includes a control device 20, a communication device 26, and a storage device 28. The control device 20 is mainly configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 22 and a memory 24.

[0028] In the control device 20, the CPU 22 executes a predetermined program stored in the memory 24 or the storage device 28, thereby functioning as various functional means. The details of these functional means will be described later.

[0029] The communication device 26 is configured with a communication interface for communicating with an external device, etc. The communication device 26 transmits and receives various information to and from the terminal device 12, for example.

[0030] The storage device 28 is composed of a hard disk, etc. This storage device 28 stores various programs and information necessary for executing the processes in the control device 20, including the video distribution program 14, and information on the results of the processes.

[0031] The server device 10 can be realized by using an information processing device such as a dedicated or general-purpose server computer. The server device 10 may be configured by a single information processing device or by multiple information processing devices distributed over a communication network NT. FIG. 2 shows only a part of the main hardware configuration of the server device 10, and the server device 10 may have other configurations that a server generally has. The hardware configuration of the multiple terminal devices 12 may also have the same configuration as the server device 10, except for including an operating means, a display device, and a sound output device.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a smartphone serving as the terminal device 12 shown in FIG.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 3, the terminal device 12 includes a main control unit 30, a touch panel (touch screen) 32, a camera , a mobile communication unit , a wireless LAN communication unit , a storage unit 40, and a speaker .

[0034] The main control unit 30 is configured to include a CPU, a memory, etc. The main control unit 30 is connected to a touch panel 32 as a display input device, a camera 34, a mobile communication unit 36, a wireless LAN communication unit 38, a storage unit 40, and a speaker 42. The main control unit 30 has a function of controlling these connection destinations.

[0035] The touch panel 32 has both a display function and an input function, and is composed of a display 32A that performs the display function and a touch sensor 32B that performs the input function. In the first embodiment, the display 32A can display an image (video) or an operation input image such as a button image. The touch sensor 32B can detect the position of an input by a user on the display 32A.

[0036] The camera 34 has a function of taking still images and / or moving images and storing them in the storage unit 40.

[0037] The mobile communication unit 36 ​​has a function of connecting to a mobile communication network via an antenna 36A and communicating with other communication devices connected to the mobile communication network.

[0038] The wireless LAN communication unit 38 has a function of connecting to the communication network NT via an antenna 38A and communicating with other devices such as the server device 10 connected to the communication network NT.

[0039] The storage unit 40 stores various programs and various data such as the video distribution program 14 and user information. The user information may be stored in the server device 10.

[0040] The speaker 42 has a function of outputting the sound of the distributed video, background music, and the like.

[0041] <Summary> In the first embodiment, for example, a user can watch one video (live) selected from a plurality of currently-distributed videos each featuring a different performer object. Each of these videos is associated with a different video ID (e.g., a channel ID). For example, the video ID is information including the start date and time of the video's distribution and a performer object ID. Note that a video may feature a plurality of performer objects (units). Also, there may be only one video currently-distributed.

[0042] Examples of the video include archived video that has already been recorded or generated, and real-time video that is distributed in real time. For example, watching real-time video may require more cost (e.g., virtual currency or viewing tickets) than watching archived video. The cost required to watch archived video or real-time video may be free of charge. In the first embodiment, a case where the moving image is a real-time moving image will be mainly described.

[0043] For example, each user watching a video can gift (send a gift) to a performer object displayed on the video. Examples of such performer objects include characters (e.g., characters whose actions are not controlled by the broadcasting user) and avatars of the broadcasting user. For example, the characters and avatars perform actions generated in real time by the broadcasting user (e.g., actions generated by motion capture, etc.) or actions generated in advance. The performer object is the broadcast user himself / herself. Object showing In addition, the broadcast user may not be present in the video.

[0044] Also, for example, when a user watching a video gifts a performer object, the gift is displayed on the video. This gifted gift is visible to other users watching the same video, the performer object (broadcast user), etc. For example, when a user instructs to select a gift from multiple gifts, that is, instructs to pay the price associated with the gift (gifting request), the gift can be displayed on the video.

[0045] The compensation may be a virtual currency or money (direct charge) that can be used in the video distribution system 1. In the first embodiment, a user can purchase a gift with the virtual currency that the user owns and gift the purchased gift. This virtual currency includes free currency and paid currency. An example of this free currency is free crystal (free stone). This free currency is given when, for example, a user logs into the video distribution system 1 or when the time spent continuously watching a video exceeds a specified time. An example of paid currency is paid crystal (paid stone). This paid currency is given when, for example, a user purchases it with money. For example, a user can purchase 100 paid crystals by paying 100 yen with a credit card, prepaid card, or the like.

[0046] In the first embodiment, free crystals and paid crystals can be used without distinction from each other, and in the first embodiment, crystals are more valuable than coins. However, certain gifts (e.g., special gifts) may be giftable (purchased) only with paid crystals, i.e., paid crystals may be more valuable than free crystals.

[0047] <Function means> FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional means of the server device 10. As shown in FIG.

[0048] 4, the server device 10 includes, as functional components, a storage means 50, a setting means 52, a determination means 54, a display means 56, and a control means 58. The storage means 50 is realized by one or more storage devices 28. The functional means other than the storage means 50 are realized by the control device 20 executing a video distribution program 14 stored in the storage device 28 or the like. All or a part of these functional components may be provided in the terminal device 12.

[0049] The storage means 50 has a function of storing user information 50A, gift information 50B, video information 50C, and the like.

[0050] User information 50A is stored for each user in association with the user ID of the user. This user information 50A includes, for example, the user's name, age, membership information, history information, owned currency information, friend information, automatic gifting information, and the like.

[0051] The member information includes, for example, information (e.g., a flag) indicating whether the user is a special member or a normal member. A special member is, for example, a member who pays a predetermined fee to the video distribution system 1. Examples of special members include users (e.g., monthly membership users) who pay a predetermined amount (e.g., 500 yen) every predetermined period (e.g., one month), users whose cumulative purchase amount of paid currency is equal to or exceeds a predetermined amount (e.g., 5,000 yen), and users who have consumed a predetermined number of paid currencies for gifting (e.g., 5,000 units). On the other hand, a normal member is a member other than a special member who has not paid the specified fee.

[0052] The history information includes history information of gifts gifted by the user. For example, the history information includes the date and time when the user gifted a gift, the gift ID of the gift gifted by the user, the video ID of the video gifted by the user, the performer object ID of the performer object to which the user gifted (sent a gift), etc.

[0053] The owned currency information includes, for example, the amount of free currency (coins, free crystals) and paid currency (paid crystals) owned by the user.

[0054] The friend information includes the user IDs of users (friend users) who have a friend relationship (predetermined relationship) with the user. For example, the user can chat with the friend users and access the profile pages of the friend users.

[0055] The automatic gifting information includes a gift ID of a gift (e.g., a first gift) that is automatically gifted by a user (e.g., a first user) and a condition ID that specifies the gifting conditions. The gifting conditions include, for example, various conditions that serve as triggers for automatic gifting. The automatic gifting information is set by the setting means 52, for example, based on a user's operational input in the setting area. Note that if the user has not set the automatic gifting information, the automatic gifting information includes "NULL".

[0056] In the first embodiment, the gifting conditions are registered in advance by, for example, the operator of the video distribution system 1, and the user selects (for example, selects from a pull-down menu) from among the registered gifting conditions in the setting area.

[0057] In the first embodiment, the gifting conditions include a request for gifting of a gift related to the gift to be automatically gifted (e.g., the first gift) by another user (e.g., the second user). Examples of related gifts include gifts that are the same as the gift to be automatically gifted (e.g., the first gift), gifts with the same consideration, gifts with a low consideration, gifts with a high consideration, gifts of the same category (e.g., cheering goods, food, flowers, clothes, accessories, etc.), gifts that are previously associated with each other (e.g., crackers and fans, ramen and dumplings, roses and baby's breath, T-shirts, jeans and shoes, rings, earrings and glasses, etc.), etc.

[0058] Furthermore, for example, the gifting condition includes that the gifting is requested by a user (e.g., a second user) specified in advance by the user (e.g., a first user). The pre-specified user may be, for example, a user selected from a user list including all users who are watching the same video by the user (e.g., a first user).

[0059] Also, for example, the gifting condition includes that the gifting is requested by a user who has a friend relationship (predetermined relationship) with the user (for example, the first user).

[0060] Gift information 50B includes information about gifts.

[0061] For example, gift information 50B is stored for each gift in association with the gift ID of the gift. Gift information 50B includes, for example, a name, an image, a price, a display time, a category, and the like.

[0062] The consideration includes the amount (quantity) of virtual currency (free currency or paid currency) required to gift the gift. For example, the consideration for a first gift is 100 coins. For example, the consideration for a second gift is 100 crystals (free crystals or paid crystals).

[0063] The display time includes the time during which the gift is displayed in the video when the gift is gifted. For example, the higher the value of the gift, the longer the display time.

[0064] The category includes the type of gift, such as miscellaneous goods, food, flowers, clothes, accessories, and the like.

[0065] Video information 50C includes information relating to videos.

[0066] The video information 50C is stored for each video (channel) in association with the video ID of the video. The video information 50C includes, for example, the performer object ID of the performer object appearing, the distribution start date and time, viewing user information, etc. In the first embodiment, the viewing user information includes the user IDs of the users who are viewing the video and the users who have finished viewing the video.

[0067] The setting means 52 is a functional means for setting various information in the automatic gifting information of the user information 50 A. In the first embodiment, the setting means 52 sets, in the automatic gifting information of the user information 50 A, a gift ID of a gift (e.g., a first gift) that is automatically gifted by a user (e.g., a first user) and gifting conditions for gifting the gift.

[0068] For example, the setting means 52 sets the gift ID of a gift selected by the user from a list of gifts that can be automatically gifted in the setting area as the automatic gifting information of the user information 50A.

[0069] Also, for example, the setting means 52 sets the gifting conditions selected by the user in the setting area to the automatic gifting information of the user information 50A.

[0070] The determination means 54 is a functional means for performing various determinations. In the first embodiment, the determination means 54 determines whether or not a gifting request (e.g., a second gift) from a user (e.g., a second user) different from a user (e.g., a first user) who has set the automatic gifting information satisfies the gifting condition (automatic gifting determination). For example, the determination means 54 refers to the user information 50A and the video information 50C to acquire automatic gifting information of a user who is watching the same video as the second user or a user who has finished watching the video, but is different from the second user. Next, the determination means 54 determines whether or not a gift requested by the second user or the second user satisfies the gifting condition included in each of the acquired automatic gifting information (automatic gifting determination). Specifically, when the gifting condition of the first user who is in a friend relationship with the second user is "a gifting request by a user who is in a friend relationship with the first user", the determination means 54 makes an affirmative determination (automatic gifting determination).

[0071] Here, the first user may be a user who has paid a predetermined fee. For example, the determination means 54 may refer to the membership information of the user information 50A and, when the first user is a special member, make a positive determination (automatic gifting determination). Similarly, the second user may be a user who has paid a predetermined fee. For example, the determination means 54 may refer to the membership information of the user information 50A and, when the second user is a special member, make a positive determination (automatic gifting determination).

[0072] The display means 56 is a functional means for displaying a video (live screen) and various information areas on the touch panel 32 of the terminal device 12 owned by each user. For example, the display means 56 displays (distributes) a common video (live screen) on the touch panel 32 of the terminal device 12 owned by each user who watches one video. In the first embodiment, when the judgment (automatic gifting judgment) by the judgment means 54 is positive, the display means 56 displays a gift (e.g., a first gift) included in the automatic gifting information as a gifting request from the user (e.g., the first user) who set the automatic gifting information, together with a gift (e.g., a second gift) by a user (e.g., a second user) different from the user (e.g., the first user) who set the automatic gifting information, in the video. Note that the display means 56 may display the first gift and the second gift simultaneously in the video, or may display one gift (e.g., the first gift) after a predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) has elapsed since the display of the other gift (e.g., the second gift).

[0073] In addition, for example, when there are three or more gifted gifts or automatically gifted gifts, the display means 56 may display all of the gifts simultaneously, or may display each gift in turn at equal intervals.

[0074] Furthermore, the display means 56 displays the gift (e.g., the first gift) included in the automatic gifting information on the video, regardless of whether the user (e.g., the first user) who set the automatic gifting information is watching the video. For example, even after the user (e.g., the first user) who set the automatic gifting information has finished watching the video, when the determination by the determination means 54 (automatic gifting determination) is positive, the display means 56 displays the gift (e.g., the first gift) included in the automatic gifting information on the video.

[0075] The control means 58 is a functional means for controlling the entire video distribution system 1.

[0076] For example, when a user selects a gift in the gift selection area, the control means 58 consumes the value associated with the gift (the value required to purchase the gift) from the user's owned currency information. Also, in the first embodiment, when the determination means 54 determines that the gifting conditions included in the automatic gifting information set by a user (e.g., the first user) are satisfied, the control means 58 consumes the value associated with the gift (the value required to purchase the gift) from the user's (e.g., the first user's) owned currency information.

[0077] <Settings process flow> 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the process flow for setting automatic gifting information in the video distribution system 1 according to the first embodiment. The process of the following steps is started, for example, when a user (e.g., a first user) selects one video (live) from multiple videos being distributed. The order and contents of the following steps can be changed as appropriate.

[0078] (Step SP10) The display means 54 displays a live screen of one moving image (live) on the touch panel 32 of the terminal device 12 owned by the user.

[0079] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a normal live screen 60 in the first embodiment.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 6, the live screen 60 is provided with a performer object P, a stage ST, a notification information area 62, a message button 64, a gift button 66, a setting button 67, an exit button 68, and the like. The notification information area 62 displays text information indicating the latest information including the actions of each user watching a video and the performer object P. This latest information includes the start of video viewing (entry), the end of video viewing (exit), sent messages, gifting, etc. The various information displayed in the notification information area 62 is displayed in the same content on the touch panel 32 of the terminal device 12 owned by each user watching a video. The message button 64 is a button (instruction area) for issuing an instruction to display an input area for inputting a message and a send button for sending the input message. The gift button 66 is a button (instruction area) for issuing an instruction to display a gift selection area for selecting a gift to be given. The setting button 67 is a button (designation area) for issuing an instruction to display a setting area for setting automatic gifting information. The exit button 68 is a button (instruction area) for issuing an instruction to end viewing of one video.

[0081] Returning to FIG. 5, the process proceeds to step SP12.

[0082] (Step SP12) The determination means 54 determines whether or not the setting button has been designated on the normal live screen. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP14, whereas if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step SP18.

[0083] (Step SP14) The display means 56 displays a live screen including a setting area for the user to set automatic gifting information.

[0084] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a live screen 60 including a setting region in the first embodiment.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 7, the live screen 60 is provided with a setting area 72, a cancel button 74, a setting completion button 76, and the like. The setting area 72 displays an image showing the amount of virtual currency (coins and crystals) owned by the user, a gift image 72a, a slide bar SB, a condition selection menu 72b, and the like. For example, the user can select a gift to be automatically gifted (given) to the performer object P by selecting (instructing) the gift image 72a. For example, the gift image 72a selected by the user is displayed with an emphasized outer frame (for example, the frame line becomes thicker). Note that the gift image 72a is displayed in a manner that makes it impossible to instruct selection (for example, grayed out) when the virtual currency owned by the user is less than the value of the gift. The slide bar SB is an instruction area for instructing to scroll the gift image 72a left and right. Also, for example, the user can select a gifting condition from a pull-down of the condition selection menu 72b. Examples of gifting conditions include when the same gift is gifted, when a gift with the same value is gifted, when a gift with a lower value than the selected gift is gifted, when a gift with a higher value than the selected gift is gifted, when a gift of the same category is gifted, when one or more pre-associated gifts are gifted, when two or more pre-associated gifts are gifted, when a gifting request is made by a user with whom the user is friends, etc. The cancel button 74 is a button (instruction area) for issuing an instruction to cancel the selection (setting) of gifts to be automatically gifted and the selection (setting) of gifting conditions, and to return to the normal live screen. The setting completion button 76 is a button (instruction area) for issuing an instruction to set the selected gift image 72a and gifting conditions in the automatic gifting information.

[0086] Returning to FIG. 5, the process proceeds to step SP16.

[0087] (Step SP16) The determination means 54 determines whether or not the setting completion button has been designated by the user on the live screen including the setting area. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP 18. On the other hand, if the determination is negative, the process ends the series of steps shown in FIG.

[0088] (Step SP18) The setting means 52 sets the gift ID and gifting conditions corresponding to the gift image selected by the user on the live screen including the setting area in the automatic gifting information. For example, the setting means 52 stores the gift ID corresponding to the selected gift and the selected gifting conditions in the automatic gifting information of the user information 50A corresponding to the user. Then, the series of processes shown in FIG. 5 ends.

[0089] <Automatic gifting process> 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the automatic gifting process in the video distribution system 1 according to the first embodiment. The process of the following steps is started, for example, when the second user selects one video (live) from multiple videos being distributed. The order and contents of the following steps can be changed as appropriate.

[0090] (Step SP20) The process of step SP20 is similar to the process of step SP10 described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Then, the process proceeds to step SP22.

[0091] (Step SP22) The determination means 54 determines whether or not the gift button is designated on the normal live screen. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP24, whereas if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step SP34.

[0092] (Step SP24) The display means 56 displays a live screen including a gift selection area for the second user to select a gift to be gifted.

[0093] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a live screen 60 including a selection area in which a gift to be gifted can be selected in the first embodiment.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 9, the live screen 60 is provided with a gift selection area 82, a cancel button 84, a gifting button 86, and the like. The gift selection area 82 displays an image showing the amount of virtual currency (coins and crystals) owned by the second user, a gift image 82a for selecting a gift to be gifted to the performer object P, a slide bar SB, and the like. For example, the second user can select a gift to be gifted (given) to the performer object P in real time by selecting (indicating) the gift image 82a. For example, the gift image 82a selected by the user is displayed with an emphasized outer frame (for example, the frame line becomes thicker). Note that the gift image 82a is displayed in a manner that makes it impossible to select (for example, grayed out) when the virtual currency owned by the second user is less than the value of the gift. The slide bar SB is an instruction area for instructing to scroll the gift image 82a left and right. The cancel button 84 is a button (instruction area) for canceling the selection of the gift to be gifted and instructing to return to the normal live screen. The gifting button 86 is a button (instruction area) for issuing an instruction to gift the selected gift image 82a in real time.

[0095] Returning to FIG. 8, the process proceeds to step SP26.

[0096] (Step SP26) The determination means 54 determines whether or not a gifting request has been made. For example, when a gifting button is pressed while a gift (gift image) is selected on a live screen including a selection area, the determination means 54 makes an affirmative determination. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP28, whereas if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step SP34.

[0097] (Step SP28) The determination means 54 determines whether or not the set gifting condition is satisfied (automatic gifting determination). For example, the determination means 54 refers to the automatic gifting information of the user information 50A corresponding to each of the users who are watching a video other than the second user or the users who have finished watching the video, and determines whether or not there is a user who has set the gift requested for gifting in step SP26 or the fact that the second user has requested gifting as a gifting condition. Specifically, the determination means 54 makes a positive determination when there is one or more users (e.g., the first user) who have set a gift that is previously associated with the gift requested for gifting in the gifting conditions of the automatic gifting information. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP30. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step SP32.

[0098] (Step SP30) The display means 56 displays on the live screen the gift for which the gifting request was made in step SP26 and the gift set in the automatic gifting information including the gifting condition for which a positive decision was made in step SP28.

[0099] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a live screen 60 including gifted gifts and automatically gifted gifts in the first embodiment.

[0100] 10, the live screen 60 displays a gift G1 (e.g., a cracker) gifted by the second user in step SP26, and a gift G2 (e.g., a fan) set in the automatic gifting information including the gifting condition determined to be positive in step SP28. This gift G2 is, for example, a gift set in the automatic gifting information by the first user. The gifted gift G1 and the automatically gifted gift G2 are, for example, displayed simultaneously near the performer object P. Here, the notification information area 62 displays text information indicating that the second user has gifted (given) the gift G1 to the performer object P, and text information indicating that the first user has subsequently gifted (given) the gift G2 to the performer object P. Note that the notification information area 62 may also display text information indicating that the gift G2 has been gifted automatically.

[0101] Returning to FIG. 8, the process proceeds to step SP34.

[0102] (Step SP32) The display means 56 displays the gift requested in step SP26 on the live screen.

[0103] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a live screen 60 including only gifted gifts in the first embodiment.

[0104] 11, the gift G1 (e.g., a cracker) gifted by the second user in step SP26 is displayed on the live screen 60. Here, the notification information area 62 displays text information indicating that the second user has gifted (given) the gift G1 to the performer object P.

[0105] Returning to FIG. 8, the process proceeds to step SP34.

[0106] (Step SP34) The determination means 54 determines whether or not the second user has finished watching the live broadcast. For example, the determination means 54 makes an affirmative determination when the second user has pressed an exit button. If the determination is affirmative, the process ends the series of steps shown in Fig. 8. On the other hand, if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step SP20.

[0107] <Effects> As described above, in the first embodiment, the program is for each user watching a video being streamed to perform gifting by displaying a gift on the video, and causes a computer to function as: setting means 52 for setting gifting conditions for a first user to automatically gift a first gift; judgment means 54 for judging, based on a request by a second user for gifting a second gift, whether or not the gifting request satisfies the gifting conditions; and, if the judgment is positive, display means 56 for displaying the first gift in the video together with the second gift, as if a gifting request had been made by the first user.

[0108] According to this configuration, when a gifting request for a second gift by the second user satisfies the gifting conditions, the first gift can be displayed in the video together with the second gift, as if a gifting request had been made by the first user. This makes it possible to standardize the timing at which multiple gifts are displayed, thereby livening up the video (gifting screen).

[0109] Also, in the first embodiment, the gifting condition includes that a gift related to the first gift has been requested for gifting.

[0110] According to this configuration, a plurality of related gifts are displayed, making it possible to provide a video (gifting screen) with a unified feel.

[0111] Also, in the first embodiment, the related gift is the same gift as the first gift.

[0112] According to this configuration, a plurality of identical gifts are displayed, making it possible to provide a video (gifting screen) with a uniform feel.

[0113] Also, in the first embodiment, the related gift is a gift that has the same value as the first gift.

[0114] According to this configuration, since a plurality of gifts having the same value are displayed, it is possible to provide a video (gifting screen) with a uniform feel.

[0115] Also, in the first embodiment, the related gift is a gift that has a lower value than the first gift.

[0116] According to this configuration, since the second gift has a lower value than the first gift, the first gift that is automatically gifted can be made to stand out.

[0117] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the display means 56 displays the first gift on the video regardless of whether the first user is watching the video or not.

[0118] According to this configuration, the first user can liven up the video (gifting screen) even when he or she is not watching the video.

[0119] Also, in the first embodiment, the gifting conditions include a gifting request being made by a user specified in advance by the first user.

[0120] According to this configuration, the first user can cooperate with a pre-specified user to liven up the video (gifting screen).

[0121] Also, in the first embodiment, the gifting conditions include a gifting request made by a user who has a predetermined relationship with the first user.

[0122] According to this configuration, the first user can cooperate with users with whom he has a predetermined relationship to liven up the video (gifting screen).

[0123] In the first embodiment, the first user is a user who pays a predetermined fee.

[0124] According to this configuration, a first user who has paid a specified fee can automatically gift the first gift along with the second gift, thereby giving the first user a sense of satisfaction.

[0125] In the first embodiment, the second user is a user who pays a predetermined fee.

[0126] According to this configuration, a second user who has paid a specified fee can have the first gift automatically displayed along with the second gift, thereby giving the second user a sense of satisfaction.

[0127] ---Second embodiment--- Next, a second embodiment will be described.

[0128] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the determination means 54 determines whether or not the action of a performer object appearing in a video satisfies a gifting condition. Note that the configuration and functions of the video distribution system 1 according to the second embodiment, which will not be described below, are similar to those of the video distribution system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0129] In the second embodiment, the automatic gifting information of the user information 50A includes a gift ID of a gift that is automatically gifted to the user, and a condition ID that specifies the gifting condition.

[0130] For example, the gifting conditions include actions by the performer object, such as playing a song, singing, reciting aloud, dancing, gestures, and the like.

[0131] Furthermore, for example, the gifting condition includes the start or end of an action by the performer object. Specifically, the gifting condition includes an action by the performer object and information (for example, a flag) indicating the start or end of the action.

[0132] Furthermore, for example, the gifting condition includes a specific statement made by the performer object, such as "thank you," "fun," "happy," "good job," "kind," "sad," "cute," "touching," and the like.

[0133] In the second embodiment, the determination means 54 determines whether or not the action of the performer object appearing in the video satisfies the gifting condition (gifting determination). For example, the determination means 54 analyzes the action of the performer object (for example, playing a song, singing, reciting, dancing, gestures, etc.) from the video. Examples of this analysis include image analysis and audio analysis. Next, the determination means 54 refers to the video information 50C to identify a user who is watching the video in which the performer object appears or a user who has finished watching the video. Next, the determination means 54 refers to the user information 50A related to the identified user to determine whether or not the analyzed action is included in the gifting condition of the automatic gifting information. Note that, when the gifting condition includes information indicating the start of an action, the determination means 54 makes the determination (gifting determination) positive at the timing when the action starts. Also, when the gifting condition includes information indicating the end of an action, the determination means 54 makes the determination (gifting determination) positive at the timing when the action ends.

[0134] Also, for example, the determination means 54 analyzes from the video that a specific statement has been made by the performer object (for example, that "Thank you" has been said). Next, the determination means 54 refers to the video information 50C to identify a user who is watching the video in which the performer object appears or a user who has finished watching the video. Next, the determination means 54 refers to the user information 50A related to the identified user to determine whether or not the analyzed specific statement is included in the gifting conditions of the automatic gifting information.

[0135] Here, the specified user may be a user who has paid a predetermined fee. For example, the determination means 54 refers to the user information 50A and the video information 50C to specify a user whose membership information is a special member, who is watching a video in which a performer object appears, or who has finished watching the video.

[0136] In the second embodiment, when the determination by the determination means 54 (automatic gifting determination) is affirmative, the display means 56 displays a gift in the video, assuming that a gifting request has been made from the user who set the automatic gifting information. This gift is, for example, a gift included in the automatic gifting information.

[0137] Furthermore, for example, the display means 56 displays the gift included in the automatic gifting information on the video regardless of whether the user who set the automatic gifting information is watching the video or not. For example, even after the user who set the automatic gifting information has finished watching the video, if the determination by the determination means 54 (automatic gifting determination) is positive, the display means 56 displays the gift included in the automatic gifting information on the video.

[0138] In the second embodiment, when the determination means 54 determines that the gifting condition included in the automatic gifting information set by the user is satisfied, the control means 58 consumes the value (value required to purchase the gift) associated with the gift included in the automatic gifting information from the owned currency information of the user. In other words, the automatic gifting request by the user is for a fee. In addition, when the determination means 54 determines that the gifting condition included in the automatic gifting information set by the user is satisfied, the control means 58 may not consume the value associated with the gift included in the automatic gifting information from the owned currency information of the user. In other words, the automatic gifting request by the user may be free of charge.

[0139] Also, for example, the control means 58 causes the broadcast user, who is a performer object, to acquire a reward based on a gifting request by a user. In other words, the performer object is a broadcast user who can acquire a reward based on a gifting request by a user. For example, the control means 58 causes the broadcast user to acquire a reward according to the price required to purchase the gift for which a gifting request has been made by the user. This reward may be money, points exchangeable for money, or the like.

[0140] <Settings process flow> 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the process flow for setting automatic gifting information in the video distribution system 1 according to the second embodiment. The process of the following steps is started, for example, when a user selects one video (live) from multiple videos being distributed. The order and contents of the following steps can be changed as appropriate.

[0141] (Step SP40 to Step SP42) The processing in steps SP40 to SP42 is the same as the processing in steps SP10 to SP12 described above, and therefore the description will be omitted. If the determination in step SP42 is affirmative, the processing proceeds to step SP44. On the other hand, if the determination is negative, the processing proceeds to step SP48.

[0142] (Step SP44) The display means 56 displays a live screen including a setting area for the user to set automatic gifting information.

[0143] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a live screen 60 including a setting area in the second embodiment.

[0144] As shown in FIG. 13, the live screen 60 is provided with a setting area 72, a cancel button 74, a setting completion button 76, and the like. The setting area 72 displays an image showing the amount of virtual currency (coins and crystals) owned by the user, a gift image 72a, a slide bar SB, a condition selection menu 72b, and the like. For example, the user can select a gifting condition from a pull-down of the condition selection menu 72b. Examples of the gifting condition include when a song starts to play, when a song finishes playing, when the user says "thank you," when the user says "it's fun," and the like. For example, the user can select a gift that matches the gifting condition.

[0145] Returning to FIG. 12, the process proceeds to step SP46.

[0146] (Step SP46 to Step SP48) The processing in steps SP46 to SP48 is similar to the processing in steps SP16 to SP18 described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Then, the series of processes shown in FIG. 12 ends.

[0147] <Automatic gifting process> 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the automatic gifting process in the video distribution system 1 according to the second embodiment. The process of the following steps is started, for example, when a performer object (e.g., a distribution user) starts distributing a video (live). The order and contents of the following steps can be changed as appropriate.

[0148] (Step SP50) The display means 54 displays a live screen of one video (live) on the touch panel 32 of the terminal device 12 owned by each user who watches the one video. This live screen is, for example, similar to that shown in FIG. Then, the process proceeds to step SP52.

[0149] (Step SP52) The determination means 54 analyzes the movement of the performer object. For example, the determination means 54 analyzes the movement of the performer object from one video (for example, image analysis or audio analysis). Then, the process proceeds to step SP54.

[0150] (Step SP54) The determination means 54 determines whether or not the action analyzed in step SP52 satisfies the set gifting condition (automatic gifting determination). For example, the determination means 54 refers to the automatic gifting information of the user information 50A corresponding to each user who is watching a certain video or who has finished watching the certain video, and determines whether or not there is a user who has set the action analyzed in step SP52 (e.g., the start of playing a song) as a gifting condition of the automatic gifting information. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP56, whereas if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step SP58.

[0151] (Step SP56) The display means 56 displays on the live screen the gifts set in the automatic gifting information including the gifting conditions determined to be affirmative in step SP54.

[0152] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a live screen 60 including a gift that has been automatically gifted in the second embodiment.

[0153] 15, a gift G3 (e.g., a rocket) set in the automatic gifting information including the gifting condition determined to be affirmative in step SP54 is displayed on the live screen 60. This automatically gifted gift G2 is displayed, for example, near the performer object P. Here, the notification information area 62 displays text information indicating that a certain user who set the automatic gifting information has gifted (given) a gift G3 to the performer object P. Note that the notification information area 62 may display text information indicating that the gift G3 has been automatically gifted.

[0154] Returning to FIG. 14, the process proceeds to step SP58.

[0155] (Step SP58) The determination means 54 determines whether or not live streaming by a performer object (e.g., a broadcast user) has ended. For example, the determination means 54 makes a positive determination when a performer object (e.g., a broadcast user) issues an instruction to end streaming. If the determination is affirmative, the process ends the series of steps shown in Fig. 14. On the other hand, if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step SP50.

[0156] <Effects> As described above, in the second embodiment, a program is provided for each user watching a video being distributed to perform gifting by displaying a gift on the video, and the computer functions as a setting means 52 for setting gifting conditions for a user to automatically request the gifting of a gift, a determination means 54 for determining whether or not the action of a performer object appearing in the video satisfies the gifting conditions, and, if the determination is positive, a display means 56 for displaying a gift on the video, indicating that a gifting request has been made by the user.

[0157] According to this configuration, when the movement of the performer object satisfies the gifting condition, a gift can be displayed in the video as a gifting request from the user, so that the user can gift at an appropriate timing in response to the movement of the performer object.

[0158] In the second embodiment, the gifting conditions include the start or end of an action by the performer object.

[0159] According to this configuration, the user can gift at the timing when the action of the performer object starts or ends.

[0160] In the second embodiment, the gifting condition includes a specific statement being made by the performer object.

[0161] According to this configuration, the user can gift at the timing when a specific statement is made by the performer object.

[0162] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the display means 56 displays the gift on the video regardless of whether the user is watching the video or not.

[0163] According to this configuration, even if the user is not watching the video, the user can gift at an appropriate timing.

[0164] In the second embodiment, the user is a user who has paid a predetermined fee.

[0165] According to this configuration, a user who has paid a predetermined fee can gift at an appropriate time, thereby giving the user a sense of satisfaction.

[0166] Also, in the second embodiment, the gifting request is free of charge.

[0167] According to this configuration, since automatic gifting is free of charge, it is possible to motivate users to set gifts for automatic gifting, and therefore users and performer objects can enjoy communication within the video.

[0168] In the second embodiment, the gifting request requires payment.

[0169] According to this configuration, since automatic gifting requires payment, the performer object can be made to proactively perform actions that satisfy the gifting conditions, thereby making the video more exciting.

[0170] In the second embodiment, the performer object is a broadcast user who can earn a reward based on a gifting request. Object showing It is.

[0171] According to this configuration, since rewards can be earned through gifting, it is possible to encourage the performer object (broadcast user) to actively perform actions that satisfy the gifting conditions, thereby making the video more exciting.

[0172] ---Variations--- The present invention is not limited to the above specific examples. In other words, the above specific examples, to which a person skilled in the art has made appropriate design modifications, are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they have the characteristics of the present invention. In addition, the elements of the above-mentioned embodiment and the modified examples described below can be combined to the extent technically possible, and combinations of these are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the characteristics of the present invention.

[0173] For example, in the first embodiment and the like, a case has been described in which a performer object is displayed on the live screen, but an avatar of each viewing user may also be displayed.

[0174] In the first embodiment and the like, a case has been described in which a common gift can be selected in each video in the gift selection area, but a different gift may be selected depending on the performer object appearing in the video. Also, when multiple performer objects appear, the user may be able to select which performer object to gift to.

[0175] In addition, in the first embodiment and the like, a gifting request has been described as an instruction to pay a price associated with a gift, but the gifting request may also be an instruction to give a gift that the user has purchased in advance.

[0176] In addition, in the first embodiment and the like, a case has been described in which a user who has a predetermined relationship with a user is a friend user, but the friend user may be a user who belongs to the same team (guild) as the user.

[0177] In addition, in the first embodiment etc., the setting means 52 has been described as setting the gift and gifting conditions selected by the user in the automatic gifting information, but multiple gifts and gifting conditions may also be set in the automatic gifting information.

[0178] In the second embodiment, the determination means 54 analyzes the motion of the performer object from a video, but the motion may be specified based on an input instruction from the performer object (distribution user) or a person related to the performer object, etc. For example, the determination means 54 may specify the motion based on an input instruction regarding a motion (e.g., start or end of a performance) being made to the terminal device 12 operated by the performer object (distribution user).

[0179] In addition, in the second embodiment, the judgment means 54 makes a gifting judgment when a specific statement is made by a performer object, but the gifting judgment may also be made when specific content is contained in a message sent by the performer object to a user watching the video.

[0180] Also, in the first embodiment and the like, a case has been described in which the gifting conditions are registered in advance by the operator of the video distribution system 1, but they may be registered in advance by either the performer object (distribution user) or the user. For example, if the operator or user of the video distribution system 1 registers gifting conditions (motions, specific remarks, etc.) in advance, the gifting conditions may be set so that they are not known to the performer object (distribution user). This causes the performer object (distribution user) to perform various actions (performances) in order to find the gifting conditions set by the user.

[0181] In addition, in the first embodiment etc., it has been described that when the gifting judgment is affirmative by the judgment means 54, the control means 58 consumes the consideration associated with the gift from the owned currency information of the user who set the automatic gifting information, but the consideration may also be consumed when the automatic gifting information is set. [Explanation of symbols]

[0182] 10. Server equipment 12...Terminal device 50...Memory means 52...Setting method 54…Determination method 56…Means of expression

Claims

1. A program for allowing each user who watches a video being distributed to perform gifting by displaying a gift on the video, Computer, a setting means for setting gifting conditions for a user to automatically make a gifting request; a determination means for determining whether or not a motion by a performer object appearing in the video satisfies the gifting condition; a display means for displaying the gift on the video when the determination is affirmative, the gift being regarded as a gifting request from the user; Function as a The display means displays the gift on the video regardless of whether the user is watching the video or not. program.

2. The gifting condition includes that the action by the performer object has started or ended. The program according to claim 1.

3. The gifting condition includes that a specific statement is made by the performer object. The program according to claim 1.

4. The user is a user who has paid a predetermined fee. The program according to claim 1.

5. The gifting request is gratuitous; The program according to claim 1.

6. The gifting request is for a fee. The program according to claim 1.

7. The performer object is an object representing a broadcast user who can earn a reward based on the gifting request. The program according to claim 1.

8. An information processing device for allowing each user who watches a video being distributed to perform gifting by displaying a gift on the video, A setting means for setting gifting conditions for a user to automatically make a gifting request; a determination means for determining whether or not a motion by a performer object appearing in the video satisfies the gifting condition; a display means for displaying the gift on the video when the determination is affirmative, the gift being regarded as a gifting request from the user; Equipped with The display means displays the gift on the video regardless of whether the user is watching the video or not. Information processing device.

Images